What is Self-realization? with Lahiri Mahasaya's Numbers

[@ron6107]

Hi Forrest, I had THE MOST beautiful experience "yesterday" (and it continues..). I EXPERIENCED reality for what it is. In the nature, "I" was meditating for hours (my tongue locked the prana in Kecharri, my mind just went numb -- like pressing a reset button on the body) and then in that state of no mind, the eyes opened and "I" realized what "I" am -- pure awareness/attention. The trees, the plants, everything looked completely different because I was looking for the first time -- my awareness wasn't on the thoughts or the chatter that said "tree" but on the tree. I was seeing for the first time in a long, long time. Since I was free to move anywhere, I realized I must have decided to enter this body and then I had just lost myself in deeply intricate web of life the hindus call "Maya". For a moment, I left my body and from above the trees, I could see that time as we know it is just a construct. Everything -- past, present and the future is already created and is here available to us as a potentiality in God's mind. We choose where we want to place our awareness on within this creation and we experience life from that point of awareness. When we "die", we just leave the body we are in and get to a different point of observation where we choose to experience reality from. I can choose to place my awareness on things I want and they will become my reality because its just the awareness travelling to a different point in the hologram -- the thing I want has been created already. I only need to decide to move from Point A to Point B. All throughout this experience, you were the only thing from this present reality that was on my mind -- I do not know why, but I wanted you to know. I will write you another email. Thank you from the deepest recess of my heart for doing what you do. From being suicidal, I am so grateful to be alive everyday -- I step into nature and I cannot control my tears of gratitude. So grateful to have been blessed with the gift of life. There were other "awakened" yoga teachers who made fun of me as I asked questions, had emotional responses, questioned their practices, etc. You on the other hand was the one guy whom I could ask anything free from the fear of ridicule -- I now understand why. And only now can I understand the meaning of forgiveness and compassion.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Amazing. What a great experience. I'm so glad I've been the one NOT to judge you. Life is hard enough without that.

[@ron6107]

@@ForrestKnutson Hi Forrest, Is it possible to live in this moment of awakening forever (or close to forever)? Or is it just a passing moment that you cannot latch onto? I have been meditating almost constantly for the past 3-4 days and looks like the more I meditate, the more awareness and buzz I feel in the third eye and the lesser I find myself getting lost in the riddles of the mind. I am going to get your book today and start reading -- to get the hacks I need. Truly, the whole purpose of my life has changed in that one moment from desiring this and that to ONE desire and ONE desire alone- a quiet mind and a fully aware me.

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@ron6107 you can read in the AY where Yukteswar warns Yogananda not to get "overdrunk" with meditation. That there should be a balance. And that balance will keep us working in the world correctly. Something very important to me, since I have a family and responsibilities. Then, by repeated dips in the Great Ocean, it becomes more and more a part of us. The integration gets deeper and deeper, and transforms us closer and closer to the core.

[@ron6107]

​@@ForrestKnutson Nothing against you Forrest, you have the right to hold that belief. However, I see that while a lot many groups of people are interested in meditation, everyone has a different reason to indulge. It is a way for some to de-stress, for some its for better health, etc. Some meditators are happy and content with a tingly feeling or a freeze response, some seek a little more, some want to renounce the world and just meditate in the mountains. Some look at the resultant feelings from meditation as a purely physical and chemical phenomenon occurring in the body and brain, some look at it as an esoteric mystical phenomenon. Then we also take different approaches to it -- while Buddha's way is a rigorous methodical approach, the way of the Shiva or the Sufi is that of total faith and surrender and mysticism. While I respect the great saints and sages, it's not necessary that Yukteswar's advice applies to everyone. Nor its not self-contradictory -- in one of the books by the same author, I remember Yogananda resolving with one of his friends as a kid that he will not cease meditating unless he sees God as Krishna in his meditation session and finally, hours upon hours later, he sees Krishna and touches his friend who also sees what Yogananda is seeing. Of how he never studied until at the very last moment as he spent all his time at the Ashram with his Guru, yet that piece of advice in his book. Again, one person's advice may not apply to all as we are all different. “Do not seek illumination unless you seek it as a man whose hair is on fire seeks a pond.” ― Sri Ramakrishna And really, once you get a glimpse of illumination, how can you not? In that glimpse of illumination, once the false "I" is revealed, how can "you" believe that you have a family in the first place. The identity only exists in the mind -- You HAVE an identity, you HAVE a name, a father, a family, but who is you? I have seem though the illusion and its too late for reason (mind) to prevail. Having said that, I value your advice and thank you for your reply. I trust that you offered the advice you felt was true with the most selfless intent and that is why I really am grateful for you being here. However, I realize my way is the way of the Shiva and the Sufis and the mystics -- its not a way of moderation.

[@sattwa2]

@@ForrestKnutson Your maturity and wisdom is appreciated, Forrest. Even when it cannot be fully received at the time🙏

[@joshuamiller5701]

Very inspired video! Lahiri's goal was to strip away dogmatic thinking, the kind of thinking that hinders progress in meditation. You do such a great job of passing on the practicality of his teachings, God bless!

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Joshua! He was such a practical yogi.

[@travissteffens7719]

I’m so grateful that you have such a strong understanding of all the most powerful modalities and you pull them together in these videos! It’s so awesome to see the pieces fit together. Thank you so much!

[@ForrestKnutson]

Wow, thank you Travis!!

[@lrodriguez5545]

Every time I watch this video I say Thanks God for sending Forrestji, God bless you always 😇

[@ForrestKnutson]

Oh wow, thank you so much! 🙏

[@MrRelax3737]

Thank YOU FK!!! Finally the pieces of the puzzle fit together and create meaning. You are a VALUABLE SOURCE............ EXTREMELY VALUALBE.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Doug ji! So happy to hear that!!

[@darshankv]

Automatic subtitles translated Lahiri Mahasaya in your speech into Larry Much Higher. :) And an other time in the same video into Larry Messiah.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Ha! That's just about right!

[@kenith-holistictherapist2527]

This place is a dream Only dreamers consider it real When death comes as dawn you will wake up laughing what you thought was your grief. Rumi Vivid dream & real life. So beautifully explained. Such a beautiful video. Sheer wisdom 👁🌟 Utmost gratitude ❤️🙏🏼

[@ForrestKnutson]

That's perfect

[@AnkitSharma-ri5sf]

I love the way... welcome back... thanks Forrest...

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Ankit!

[@markluma98]

We are spiritual beings having a human experience....once we realize it, life gets easier !!

[@ForrestKnutson]

Perfect, Mark!

[@ellensteadman7742]

OK You have just blown my mind again Forrest Knutson. Thank you.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Fantastic Ellen!

[@holly8222]

I’ve been watching your videos and it seems like puzzle pieces are slowly fitting together. Thank you 🌞

[@ForrestKnutson]

Wonderful, Holly!

[@moniposh58]

Thank you so so much for this amazing information, Forrest : D

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Monica!

[@skyjuke2006]

Pratyahara interiorization 12 breaths Self-realization 144 breaths Dhyana 1728 breaths Samadhi union 20.736 breaths

[@jidun9478]

Much appreciation for your work! Thank you.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you, Jidun!

[@earthtones9111]

Love this👍 You are the best!!

[@ForrestKnutson]

Awe, thank you! 🤩🤩🙏

[@robinriches7798]

Excellent information. Bowing 🙏

[@ForrestKnutson]

Glad it was helpful, Robin!!

[@dhiruparmar8908]

Truly Fantastic Explanation ! Thank you so much to clarify self realization.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Wonderful Dhiru!

[@osmincamero7706]

Thank you for sharing brother, you have an amazing day.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Osmin! You, too!

[@holly8222]

Makes so much sense. Thank you 💫💜✨

[@s.r.s8840]

Love listening to you brother 🙏🏻🌻

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you! 🙏🤩

[@solarmoon33]

Such a high quality video. Thank you

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you soamoon!

[@dineshs13655]

FK ji every video of yours is filled with such profound wisdom n eye opening knowledge. Masters Bless U in ur endeavours n may u have Abundance of Wealth n Wisdom in life n may u keep on guiding n inspiring sadhakas on their spiritual journey

[@ForrestKnutson]

Dinesh ji, what an angel you are. Thank you for all the blessings! God bless and keep you and your family. 🙏🙏

[@phijk66461]

Thank you for another wonderful video Forrestji!

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you, Philipji!!

[@josephmitchell6796]

I wish i could ring the bell every time! How can one make this so exciting as you.. noone knows but i sure know im grateful

[@ForrestKnutson]

Awe, Joseph, that's so kind! I'm so glad you're getting so much!

[@Liz.seasons]

Is it expensive to learn and get initiated ? Please guide. What would be the offering for kriya yoga?

[@thesparkoflight613]

Thank you for reminding us about the magic of self discovery! Terrific!

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you! I always get a smile when I see you.

[@thesparkoflight613]

@@ForrestKnutson we will all be smile millionaires soon! :)

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@thesparkoflight613 exactly! My next long training will be on the BIG Bliss. Where it is and how to get to it. I'm recording it now. Very excited to share it.

[@thesparkoflight613]

@@ForrestKnutson cant wait!!

[@ggb2193]

Happy Valentines Day with Love Forrest ❤️ Thank You 🙏!

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you! Happy Valentine's to you and your family!

[@tabularasa108]

Terrific stuff, Forrest. You had mentioned about being initiated in basic Kriya technique if you were to meet students face to face. Do you accept appointments for this? I might be in the Southern California area in the next few months, Also, do you have a list of costs for your services?

[@ForrestKnutson]

I do! If you could write me at [e-mail]

[@pratibhasethi1984]

For Prtyahara, self realization, Dhyana etc the no of kriyas stated have to be done continuously or can be with breaks in between

[@ForrestKnutson]

I would encourage you to look at it as building skill please see my video it was recent about building skill versus time.

[@ForrestKnutson]

To answer your question though yes with breaks though you need to maintain your state or as best you can.

[@gargas88488]

Hey Forrest, Almost a year ago i have experienced a very strange visual sensation. As I was under the influence of a very small dose of psilocybin and thc I saw exactly what is shown in the video at 7:24. I couldn't understand what I was seeing at the time and it lasted for about a minute, slowly dissolving into thin air. It didn't matter weather my eyes were closed or not or where would I look, the visualization was in the center of my visual field. As it was starting to happen I felt that I was starting to lose grasp of my physical body and I had to take a seat almost immediately in order not to fall and as I was seeing this visualization I couldn't feel my body at all for a few seconds. Now that I have seen this video I want to ask, could it really have been the third eye? I searched a lot about this and I haven't found anyone else who has experienced the same visual under the influence of psilocybin and thc.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Yes, that was the eye. On the other side is the right hippocampus, and the experience of the Non-dual state. In that state we lose the perception of body, which is what you were beginning to experience.

[@gargas88488]

@@ForrestKnutson Thanks for your answer. I feel like I should clarify that I wasn't meditating at that point. I started feeling nauseous and stepped outside for some fresh air. And then it started happening. I almost collapsed on the ground, but I was quick enough to go near the house and rest against it's wall. And that's why it is so strange to me, that i would experience the third eye without getting into a meditative state. It just sort of came out of nowhere. Also, it helped me with the nausea and after it was over I felt really well.

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@gargas88488 the psilocybin overcame the resistance for you. Patanjali mentions in the yoga sutras that some herbs can be used. I much prefer the yogic training though, since the benefits are more sustained and you have more control.

[@pintosunny]

Hi Forrest, I had requested you for a video on 'initiation'(deeksha) several months back. I'm still eagerly waiting to know the science behind 'initiation' from you.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you for the reminder! And thank you for waiting patiently. It's still on my list, and I think I have to say some things about it which need to be said. ... Was there something specifically you wanted to know about it?

[@pintosunny]

@@ForrestKnutson Maybe..I was initiated to Kriya Yoga by Shaktipat Transmission. Is there actual transmission of energy during initiation ? what is the scientific explanation behind this ? And what is the real purpose of initiation? is it a prerequisite?

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@pintosunny Okay great. I will put this near the top of my list.

[@pintosunny]

@@ForrestKnutson Thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️

[@mail2mani21]

@@ForrestKnutson Hi ji 🙏🙏🙏, if the topic can be discussed in public, please consider this as gentle reminder... 🙏❤️

[@Drew_Hurst]

Welcome to the Matrix Neo: What is the Matrix? Trinity: The answer is out there, Neo, and it's looking for you, and it will find you if you want it to. Morpheus: Have you ever had a dream, Neo, that you seemed so sure it was real? But if were unable to wake up from that dream, how would you tell the difference between the dream world & the real world? Neo: This can't be. Morpheus: Be what? Be real? Welcome to the Maya

[@ForrestKnutson]

Bahaha! Perfect Drew, that's it!

[@sonumonu5888]

Hi Forrest, we would likely to hear from you about the 7 planes of spiritual awakening in kriya yoga and 8 planes in buddhism. And where do Nirvikalpa samadhi and buddhatva lies? Are they at same level or different?

[@ForrestKnutson]

Wow, that's a great question. I have a 4th long training in which I'll be talking in depth about samadhi. So, I'll be laying out the various states of samadhi in order, and making the information practical. That's the exciting part. The information is out there, but it is not useful or practical. In the process I'll be using Buddhist terms as well, but I hadn't thought about buddhatva states. I'll try to work that in as well.

[@emilesaayman4255]

Wonderful video Forrestji 🙏 I have one question, by "repetition of the kriyas" do you mean the accumulated kriyas one has done? If, over the course of some years I reach 20 000 kriyas, would that result in my experience of samadhi?

[@ForrestKnutson]

That's a wonderful question and really I like to look at it in terms of skill so the three essential skills that we need to go into or to help us go into a samadhi are the Tranquil breath, the freeze response, and the roll up of consciousness. So if you happen to have my first two trainings this is what I'm teaching is how to get into these states. And that is what will assist us in a humongous way to then expand our consciousness in every direction and go into an absorption and a samadhi. 🤩🙏

[@emilesaayman4255]

@@ForrestKnutson Thank you! It's the skill attained by the repetition, thank you

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@emilesaayman4255 exactly! 💯

[@shwetag9347]

Dear FK, Do you do Kriya yoga initialisation online, via paid session?

[@ForrestKnutson]

Hi Shweta, I teach over the phone, but the actual initiation is always in person, as directed by the lineage. I'm teaching more over the phone these days, since everyone is on lockdown.

[@shwetag9347]

How do I contact you to teach me over phone??

[@rocky821]

@@shwetag9347 lahiri mahasaya lineage yogacharyas are there in india. Guru of forest ashok ji has advanced students who could teach you.

[@seane.9937]

So is self realization different than God realization? They are used interchangeably

[@dianecurran8277]

the proof is in the pudding. “you can only judge the quality of something after you have tried, used, or experienced something”

[@ForrestKnutson]

You are so right of course! Thank you Diane!!

[@marsdam]

hi guruji, i want to see in person ? where are you?=

[@SathishKumar-nv1zb]

🙏

[@ForrestKnutson]

🙏🙏

[@AlexDerrick_DP]

good video :)

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you!

[@AlexDerrick_DP]

@@ForrestKnutson You're welcome. As you may know I practice with a different guru (Swami Shree Yukteshwargiri Lineage), our practice might be slightly different, but the result is the same. That is what is so beautiful about Kriyayoga, and the scientific way to experiencing your real self. Such a good video!

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@AlexDerrick_DP well said!

[@LiberationOfMIND]

Have you heard of Buddha's path to " Ending rebirth " ?

[@ForrestKnutson]

I have. :) A similar or same idea is found in Kaivalya.

[@bharathyaadavk.n1470]

Tq sir

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you!

[@chbr5623]

The 20,736 kriyas will take about 172 hours of practice...not that long actually. I am curious how many kriyabans managed to cross that threshold and what their experience was at the end. Thank you for the informative video.

[@rocky821]

20,735 kriya in a relaxed and non mechanical way not in a race way(i have to do 20,735 in 172 hrs)

[@billshire2681]

Yo...As to "map is not the territory." T'was a one Alfred Korzybski (b. July 3, 1879) who coined the term not Grinder and Bandler, who cobbled their whole "system" from other people's maps. Much like yoga itself...,

[@ForrestKnutson]

So true! You can see I quote him at the end.

[@kimsylvia5341]

Thank You. Do you keep track of numbers or do you keep time ?

[@ForrestKnutson]

Very early I sometimes count Kriya. Then I get into the 4 Proofs and the Freeze Response and the Tranquil Breath.

[@jaijaiseetaram]

What keeps you from letting us know the kriya yoga pranayama technique on KZbin?

[@ForrestKnutson]

When I was made a kriya guru in the Panchanan Bhattacharya line, I was asked to initiate only face to face and in person. During the current circumstances, however, I've been given to begin teaching over the phone to those who intend to see me in person, when they can.

[@jaijaiseetaram]

@@ForrestKnutson I see ... I figured it was a decision of the sampradaya. But why would they forbid mass teaching of their system? Is it a way to keep people from doing it wrong?

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@jaijaiseetaram yes, exactly. It's a system designed to take you into samadhi, and every jouneyer needs feedback along the way.

[@jaijaiseetaram]

@@ForrestKnutson oh, okay. Thanks.

[@rocky821]

@@jaijaiseetaram why should they give such a high level teaching online ? there is a transfer of energy in kriya initiation via touch on chakras. how can it be given online ?

[@dgopalsuri]

Dhyana means concentration

[@yodn6955]

Can HRV breathing lead to some lvl of awakeing

[@ForrestKnutson]

Absolutely. It's the exact entry point to everything else.

[@benjaminchew8442]

Hey Forrest, you said in the video that you could initiate us if we came to you in person, but what if some of us live on the other side of the globe?😂 Is there any other way that you could teach us how to do kriya yoga?

[@ForrestKnutson]

That's a predicament isn't it! I'm creating Yogacharya who can teach, but it is a slow process. You can email me at [e-mail] and let me know your location. 😊

[@divay51]

Hi forrestji i have purchased the meditation. But unable to download it. Please help

[@ForrestKnutson]

If you could email me at [e-mail] I will send you a new link. I'm excited for you to see it!

[@divay51]

@@ForrestKnutson i email forrestji

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@divay51 perfect. I just sent you a link.

[@divay51]

@@ForrestKnutson very nicely explained. How one can do om japa internaly in tranquil state.

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@divay51 thank you! OM Japa is very simple. You simply place the mind in one chakra, and chant OM in it mentally. Try this in each chakra.

[@bharathyaadavk.n1470]

How to syncnice both sides of brain.

[@ForrestKnutson]

I have a video called "The Left Right Equalization Meditation" that will get you started.

[@eimantux4x]

Hey Forrest! I don't understand what perceiving a color has to do with self-realization. After around 10 minutes into my meditation i start perceiving a pulsating deep blue/indigo that starts from a dot and spreads and fades out and comes back again and lasts for a few minutes, sometimes its yellowish/golden. I don't give any meaning to it though. In my understanding since it can be perceived it cannot be the true self. Can you elaborate?

[@ForrestKnutson]

Perhaps I should make a 2nd video to further explain.

[@eimantux4x]

@@ForrestKnutson That would be really helpful!

[@richardsmith533]

Pleased you wrote this pounh. I have exactly the same experience but I have never really been convinced that it is the spiritual eye that I'm seeing. I see the purple indigo circular colours sometimes green or yellow sometimes with a faint light in the centre. It's never very stable though, it comes and goes. I also sometimes hear a sound like a deep humming sound. A bit like being in a room where there is some sort of powerfull machinery running. Is this the ohm sound? I don't know.

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@richardsmith533 yes, that's the spiritual eye, and the hum you are hearing is the beginning of the OM sound.

[@richardsmith533]

@@ForrestKnutson hi Forrest. Thanks for your reply. Now I know I'm on the right track. I've been using your Hrv techniques and they work really well. Often though I still have a concentration issue which is stopping me from progressing. The OM sound happens when I keep focus. Wish I was in the USA so I could take initiation from you. Never mind ... keep the videos coming they help a lot. Thanks

[@fakira5]

Who is real living lineage of lahri mahashya

[@ForrestKnutson]

That's what I do, Raju. There are 3 lines in India as well, perhaps 4. One is from the Maheshwari Dubeyji line.

[@ChantOfTheSpring]

www.rykym.org

[@mail2mani21]

Shibendu Lahiri ji..😇

[@Freerider1502]

Dhyaan is pronounced as Dhiyaan not Die-aan

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Freerider